While many artists speak almost in awe of the unforgiving acoustics in the Elbphilharmonie, world star Robbie Williams takes this topic very calmly. “Everyone says that the acoustics are amazing here. But I don’t care. I don’t give a damn,” said the 48-year-old before the concert with a smile to the German Press Agency in Hamburg.
The reason for this is very simple: “I have my in-ears on, that’s what I hear, you have your speakers in your ears, and I’ve never cared about the acoustics.” And if he does make mistakes, which are then easy to hear, he has no problem with that either. “Well, my mistakes are part of the show, so mistakes are welcome.”
On Tuesday evening, the Brit not only wants to celebrate his 25-year career with his best songs in the famous concert hall on the Elbe. Also on the program is a special live premiere. This is how artificial intelligence (AI) rearranged his hit “Angels”. The new composition comes from the computer, more specifically from the artificial intelligence “Beethoven AI”. She had already completed Beethoven’s 10th symphony last year. The piece, for which the AI interwoven the moonlight sonata with the intro of “Angels”, for example, is to be performed live for the first time on Tuesday evening at the Telekom Street Gig. The exclusive concert will be broadcast live on MagentaTV and on the station’s social media channels.
Fascinated by the idea – but also suspicious
He was fascinated by Telekom’s idea of artificial intelligence recomposing a song by him. This way of writing music is still very new and one can be both fascinated and excited and wary of it, as Williams said. “When it comes to artificial intelligence, you can be all three things. Yes, in my tiny way, I’m a part of this technological revolution.”
He still thinks his version of “Angels” is better. “Well, the original is the original, isn’t it? It made my life and my career possible, and it made everything possible. So it’s my baby.” Would he also use artificial intelligence for his new songs in the future? “Maybe. I think it would be interesting if AI could write lyrics.” For his new album, which is currently in the works, he did not let AI help him.
25-year solo career in focus
In the Elbphilharmonie, however, his current album “XXV” and thus his 25-year solo career will be the focus of the evening. The former Take That singer has re-recorded his most popular hits with an orchestra. Some of them will be heard in the “Elphi” together with more than 80 musicians from the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt.
Normally, his shows are always full of energy and therefore demand a lot from him. If he has his way, the evening can be a little quieter. “I wish I could just stand there at the show and let the orchestra’s awesomeness do the work for me. And when it works, I’ll take it on tour.” It starts on February 1st, 2023 – again in Hamburg.
Williams already had a little time on Monday to get to know the Hanseatic city better. Among other things, he was out and about in a harbor barge on the Elbe for a photo session and also gave his interviews in the Elbphilharmonie with the best view of the harbour. He had been to the Reeperbahn before, “but I didn’t really understand that this is a seafaring and industrial city that is very similar to Liverpool,” the Brit continued. “This time I can understand her heart and soul better. I understand Hamburg. I’m starting to make friends with the city.”
